forank Marketing

Bigger audiences look impressive. Smaller audiences perform better. In this episode, we unpack Building Small, Relevant Audiences to answer one simple question:Why does less targeting often lead to more impact?We explore why chasing scale has become one of the most expensive habits in modern marketing — and how relevance, not reach, is what actually drives results in 2026.What we cover:Why broad targeting creates wasted spend, weaker signals, and fuzzy resultsWhat “relevance” really means when platforms are more automated and opaqueHow to identify the audiences that actually convert — not just clickWays to build smaller audience groups without limiting growthHow tighter audiences improve performance across SEO, PPC, and creativeThis episode is about shifting the mindset from more people to the right people — and why that change matters more than ever as costs rise and attention fragments. If you’ve ever asked:“Are we targeting everyone… or just hoping something sticks?” This one’s for you.📍 Find us here: Website: https://www.forank.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketingZoe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/Leigh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/🎙 Enjoying this episode? Show some love — like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at [email protected]

Vanity metrics are easy to track.Meaningful metrics are harder to agree on.In this episode, we unpack GA4, GSC, and Looker to answer one simple question:Which metrics are actually worth your time — and which ones are just noise?We break down how teams should really be using Google Analytics 4, Google Search Console, and Looker Studio in 2026 — especially as search becomes more fragmented, AI-driven, and less click-focused.What we cover:Why sessions, clicks, and rankings don’t tell the full story anymoreThe GA4 metrics that do signal real business impact (and the ones to stop obsessing over)How to use GSC beyond surface-level impressions and average positionWhen Looker adds clarity — and when it just creates prettier confusionHow to align SEO, PPC, and reporting around outcomes, not dashboardsWhether you’re reporting to clients, stakeholders, or your own leadership team, this episode is about measuring what matters — not what’s easiest to export.If you’ve ever asked: “Are we tracking this because it’s important… or just because it’s there?”This one’s for you. 📍Find us here:Website: https://www.forank.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketing Zoe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/ Leigh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/ Kyle Rushton McGregor: https://krmdigital.uk/blog/ai-in-ga4/🎙 Enjoying this episode?Show some love — like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes! Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at [email protected]

In this episode of Forank Marketing, we dig into one of the most debated questions facing modern brands and marketers: is topical authority still worth chasing in 2026 or is it time to rethink how visibility and credibility are built online?Zoe Ashbridge and Leigh Buttrey unpack how the idea of “owning a topic” has evolved, why simply publishing more content is no longer enough, and what actually drives trust, relevance, and long-term growth today. Drawing on real-world experience, they explore what topical authority really means in practice and where many businesses go wrong when trying to build it.The conversation cuts through the noise to look at how audiences discover information now, why depth and consistency matter more than volume, and how brands can stay visible without burning time and budget chasing outdated tactics.We also discuss how smaller brands can compete, what signals genuinely build credibility, and how to think beyond short-term performance when shaping content and marketing strategies.Ideal for: marketers, founders, content strategists, and brand leaders who want to build authority that lasts not just traffic that fades.Topics covered:What topical authority actually means in 2026Why content volume alone no longer creates visibilityThe balance between expertise, trust, and discoverabilityCommon mistakes brands make when “chasing authority”Practical ways to build relevance without overcomplicating your strategyIf you’re questioning whether topical authority is still worth the effort or wondering how to approach it more intelligently this episode offers clarity, perspective, and actionable insight.📍Find us here:Website: https://www.forank.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketingZoe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/Leigh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/🎙 Enjoying this episode?Show some love — like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at [email protected]

AEO, GEO, SEO—what do they actually mean, and why should you care?Search is changing fast, and the old rules don’t apply the way they used to. In this episode, we break down SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation), and GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) what each one is, how they’re different, and how they work together in today’s AI-driven search landscape.Whether you’re a marketer, business owner, content creator, or just trying to keep up with Google, ChatGPT, and beyond, this episode will help you understand how people really find information now—and how to stay visible when they do.📍Find us here:Website: https://www.forank.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketing Zoe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/ Leigh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/ 🎙 Enjoying this episode? Show some love — like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes! Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at [email protected]

In this episode of forank marketing, we take you behind the scenes for a candid conversation on Our Freelancing Journey, the real story of how Zoe Ashbridge and Leigh Buttrey built their careers outside the traditional 9–5.Zoe and Leigh share the unexpected wins, the tough lessons, and the pivotal moments that shaped their paths as freelancers and, eventually, agency founders. From finding those first clients and pricing early projects to navigating imposter syndrome, setting boundaries, and learning what not to do — this is a transparent look at the realities of freelancing in the marketing world.We break down what makes freelancing both challenging and incredibly rewarding, the misconceptions many new freelancers face, and the practical steps to build a sustainable, confident freelance career.Ideal for: New or aspiring freelancers, marketers looking to go solo, and agency professionals curious about the journey that happens before agency life begins.Topics covered:• How Zoe and Leigh got started in freelancing• The biggest challenges in the first year — and how they overcame them• Finding clients and building a reputation from scratch• Mistakes made along the way (and what they taught us)• Tips for building confidence, clarity, and long-term stability as a freelancerIf you’re thinking about going freelance — or want to feel less alone in your own journey — this episode offers honesty, encouragement, and plenty of hard-won insights.📍Find us here:Website: https://www.forank.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketing Zoe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/ Leigh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/ 🎙 Enjoying this episode? Show some love — like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes! Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at [email protected]

In this episode of forank marketing, we lift the lid on a topic that makes many marketers squirm: Audits Exposed — The Secrets Your Marketing Doesn’t Want You to See.Zoe Ashbridge and Leigh Buttrey peel back the layers on what really happens inside a marketing audit — the blind spots, hidden inefficiencies, and misalignments that quietly drain performance while going unnoticed by teams and stakeholders.We explore why audits are one of the most underrated tools for growth, the recurring issues they uncover, and how transparency (even when it stings) can dramatically sharpen your strategy. From underperforming channels and misreported metrics to messy tracking setups and neglected customer journeys — this episode is loaded with unfiltered insights and practical recommendations.Ideal for: marketers, founders, in-house teams, and agency pros who want to understand what’s actually working in their marketing… and what’s only pretending to.Topics covered:Why every marketing team needs regular, honest audits• The most common problems uncovered during audits — and why they matterHow to spot misalignment between strategy, spend, and executionFixing hidden tracking, attribution, and measurement issuesUsing audits to create clarity, accountability, and smarter decision-makingIf you’ve ever wondered what a marketing audit would reveal — or want to tighten up your strategy before small issues become expensive ones — this episode is for you.📍Find us here:Website: https://www.forank.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketing Zoe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/ Leigh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/ 🎙 Enjoying this episode?Show some love — like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at [email protected]

In this episode of forank marketing, we dive into a refreshingly honest theme: Marketing: Lessons in Failures.Zoe Ashbridge and Leigh Buttrey open up about the campaigns that didn’t go to plan — and why those moments often lead to the biggest breakthroughs in marketing. We unpack why failure is such a powerful teacher, the most common reasons campaigns flop, and how to turn setbacks into strategic wins. From misjudged targeting and overcomplicated funnels to lessons in testing, measurement, and mindset — this episode is packed with real-world insights and practical advice. Ideal for: marketers, founders, and agency professionals who know that great marketing comes from experimentation, not perfection. Topics covered:• Why failure is a vital part of the marketing process• Common campaign mistakes and what they teach us• How to frame failures constructively with clients and teams• Turning failed tests into future wins• Building a “fail smarter” culture in your marketing If you’ve ever launched a campaign that didn’t quite land — or want to learn how to turn missteps into momentum — this episode is for you. 📍Find us here:Website: www.forank.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketingZoe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/Leigh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/ 🎙 Enjoying this episode?Show some love — like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at [email protected]

In this episode of forank marketing, we dive into a powerful theme: impact marketing for charities and non-profits.Zoe Ashbridge and Leigh Buttrey are joined by Tom Pratt, Director at Albert Road Consulting, to explore how mission-driven organisations can build campaigns that inspire action, maximise limited budgets, and genuinely make a difference in the world. We unpack what impact marketing really means — aligning every message with a mission-driven outcome, balancing emotional storytelling with measurable results, and building trust that keeps supporters engaged long-term. From the challenges of donor retention to the opportunities of multi-channel storytelling, this conversation is packed with strategies you can put into practice straight away. Ideal for: charity leaders, non-profit marketers, fundraisers, and anyone working to create campaigns that go beyond awareness and drive real change. Topics covered:• What impact marketing is and why it matters• Building emotional connection before asking for support• Why measuring impact is so challenging (and how to do it better)• Planning campaigns that work with limited resources• Practical tips from Tom, Zoe, and Leigh on maximising impactIf you’ve ever struggled to prove the value of your charity marketing, or wondered how to achieve more with less, this episode is for you. 📍Find us here:Website: www.forank.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketingZoe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/Leigh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/Tom’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrtompratt🎙 Enjoying this episode? Show some love: like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at [email protected]

In this episode of forank marketing, we unpack a hard truth: marketing isn’t linear. Zoe Ashbridge and Leigh Buttrey are joined by Chris Nightingale, Performance Marketing Specialist at Can-Do Marketing, to explore why leads don’t follow a perfect funnel, why attribution isn’t as simple as it looks in reports, and why expecting instant ROI from a single campaign is a fast track to disappointment. We break down how real marketing works—layered, messy, and full of touchpoints that rarely follow a straight line. Whether you're running ads, building organic content, or nurturing leads through email, understanding this non-linear journey will help you make smarter, more sustainable marketing decisions. Ideal for: marketers, founders, and in-house teams juggling long sales cycles and complex customer journeys. Topics covered:Why most buyers don’t convert after one touchThe role of dark social and unseen influenceHow to communicate the value of long-term marketingRethinking attribution and reportingIf you've ever struggled to explain why your marketing efforts are working even when the data doesn’t show it clearly, this episode is for you. 📍Find us here:Website: ⁠[www.forank.com]⁠www.forank.com⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketing⁠Zoe's LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/⁠⁠⁠Leigh's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/⁠⁠ ⁠Chris’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisnightingale/ 🎙 Enjoying this episode? Show some love: like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes! Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at ⁠⁠[email protected]

In this episode of forank marketing, we tackle the big question: Hiring freelancers, Yay or Nay? Zoe Ashbridge and Leigh Buttrey are joined by special guest Louis Smith to unpack the pros and cons of working with freelancers versus in-house teams or agencies. From cost effectiveness and flexibility to quality control and communication challenges, we share real world insights to help you make the right choice for your business. You’ll learn when freelancers are a game changer, when they might fall short, and how to set yourself up for success if you do hire them. Ideal for: founders, marketing managers, and business owners navigating resource decisions. Topics covered:The true cost of hiring freelancersWhen to go freelance vs. agency vs. in-houseHow to vet and manage freelancers effectivelyCommon mistakes to avoid If you’re considering freelancers for your next project or wondering if they’re the right fit for your marketing strategy, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use right away. 📍Find us here:Website: ⁠www.forank.comYouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketingZoe's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/⁠⁠Leigh's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/⁠⁠ Louis' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-smith-b968a5b5/🎙 Enjoying this episode? Show some love: like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at ⁠⁠[email protected]

In this episode of forank marketing, we dive into SEO and PPC strategies that actually work for smaller businesses. From getting the basics right to smart budget allocation, Zoe Ashbridge and Leigh Buttrey share practical tips to help you drive traffic, generate leads, and compete with bigger players—without blowing your budget.Whether you're managing your own marketing or working with an agency, you'll leave this episode with clear, actionable advice to boost your visibility and conversions through search.Ideal for: freelancers, marketers, and founders growing on limited resources.Topics covered: local SEO, keyword targeting, low-budget PPC wins, and common pitfalls to avoid.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction / Chats04:30 Small Business Statistics09:42 Marketing tactics for Small Businesses25:42 Free tools to use for small businesses28:46 Do small businesses need to do SEO and PPC?34:00 How to spend marketing budget wisely38:50 What to do if you have zero marketing team42:40 Understanding lifetime value of a customer44:39 Tips and takeaways49:53 LinkedIn questions answered54:04 Outro and next episode📍Find us here: Website: ⁠www.forank.com⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketingZoe's LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/⁠Leigh's LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/⁠🎙 Enjoying this episode? Show some love: like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at ⁠[email protected]

Welcome to forank's latest podcast episode: Cracking the Code on B2B AttributionJoin Zoe and Leigh as they unpack one of B2B marketing’s toughest challenges: understanding what’s actually driving results.From the hidden impact of SEO and the limitations of platform-reported data to practical ways to track the untrackable, this episode is all about making sense of attribution—without overcomplicating it.We cover attribution models, offline conversions, multi-touch reporting, gut feel vs. data, and how to prove value when the numbers don’t tell the whole story.If you work in B2B marketing, strategy, demand gen or leadership, this one’s packed with insight and practical advice.📍 Find us here:Website: ⁠www.forank.com⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketingZoe's LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/⁠Leigh's LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/⁠🎙 Enjoying this episode? Show some love: like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at ⁠[email protected]

Welcome to forank's latest podcast episode: The Future of Marketing & AI Search! Join Zoe and Leigh as they explore how AI is transforming the way people search—and what that means for marketers. From changes in user behaviour and search engine algorithms to the tools shaping tomorrow’s strategies, we dig into what’s coming and how you can stay ahead of the curve. If you're in marketing, SEO, content, or strategy, this one’s not to be missed.📍 Find us here:Website: www.forank.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketingSpotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/forankZoe's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/Leigh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/ 🎙 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at [email protected]

Welcome to forank's latest podcast episode: Why Sales and Marketing Need to Align! Join Zoe and Leigh as they dive into one of the biggest challenges businesses face—getting sales and marketing teams on the same page. From sharing data and aligning messaging to creating campaigns that truly support sales, we explore why collaboration is crucial for growth. Whether you're a marketer, a sales pro, or a business owner, this episode is packed with tips to help your teams work better together and drive real results.📍 Find us here:Website: ⁠www.forank.com⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketing⁠Zoe's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/⁠⁠Leigh's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/⁠⁠🎙 Enjoying this episode? Show some love: like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

Welcome to forank's latest podcast episode: Measuring Marketing Success! Join our hosts as they sit down with Kyle Rushton McGregor to dive into all things GA4, tracking, and analytics. From setting up accurate measurement frameworks to answering common questions, we explore why proper tracking is crucial for marketing success. Learn why you need to set up tracking, how it impacts your strategy, and how to make data-driven decisions that drive real results. Whether you're a business owner, a marketer, or just looking to improve your analytics skills, this conversation will give you the tools to measure and optimise your marketing success effectively.📍 Find us here:Website: ⁠⁠www.forank.com⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketing⁠⁠Zoe's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/⁠⁠⁠Leigh's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/⁠⁠⁠Kyle's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylerushtonmcgregor/🎙 Enjoying this episode? Show some love: like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Welcome to forank's very first podcast episode! Join our hosts, Zoe, and Leigh, as they dive into the importance of getting a head start on your marketing for the new year. From setting clear goals to actionable tips, this episode is packed with insights to help you start the year on the right foot.Whether you're a business owner, a marketer, or just looking for inspiration, this conversation will give you the tools to make your marketing strategies more effective and impactful.📍 Find us here:Website: ⁠⁠www.forank.com⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketing⁠⁠Zoe's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/⁠⁠⁠Leigh's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/⁠⁠⁠🎙 Enjoying this episode? Show some love: like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠